CCIE Program Launched to Empower Educators in Climate Action: Initiative Promotes Early Climate Awareness in Schools. Families Urged to Model Environmental Responsibility for Children
Uganda is strengthening climate action efforts through education, with teachers, families, and young activists now being positioned at the centre of environmental awareness and sustainability.
The newly launched Climate Change Integration for Educators program aims to equip teachers with skills to integrate climate education into classrooms while inspiring children to actively protect the environment.
As climate change continues to affect communities through unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, floods, and environmental degradation, education leaders and climate advocates say awareness must begin early, especially among children and young people.
The Climate Change Integration for Educators, commonly known as CCIE, is now seeking to empower teachers to become frontline ambassadors of climate awareness within schools and communities.
The six-month online initiative is designed to help Ugandan teachers integrate climate education into everyday learning while promoting practical environmental action in schools.
Organizers say the program aims to raise a generation that is informed, responsible, and ready to protect the environment.
Speaking during the launch, Hamira Kobusingye, founder of Yanayi Haki Afriqya, emphasized the important role teachers play in shaping children’s understanding of climate change.
She said educators are key in helping learners embrace environmental responsibility and practical climate action.
The Assistant Commissioner from the Ministry of Water and Environment, Francis Opolot, stressed the need to introduce climate awareness at an early age. He noted that children who grow up understanding environmental responsibility are more likely to protect the climate in the future.
Families have also been urged to support climate action by practicing responsible environmental habits at home.
Joseph Masembe, CEO and founder of Little Hands Go Green, said children learn through observation, making parents important role models in environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old climate activist Grace Stuart Ninsiima called on teachers to inspire learners to actively participate in climate action instead of only teaching theory.
Stakeholders believe the CCIE program will strengthen climate literacy in schools and help build a generation committed to environmental protection and sustainable development.
